Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the awarding ceremonies for the winners of the Programs on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) and loyal employees of the Department, held at Landbank Plaza Auditorium on Wednesday, April 19.

In his opening message, Sec. Gatchalian shared that the gathering of exemplary and loyal employees from all DSWD offices is a momentous occasion and recognition of the people behind the success of the DSWD in the delivery of sincere public service.

Sec. Gatchalian said the dedication and commitment of the employees “greatly contributed not only in the fulfillment of the DSWD’s mandate, but also in the lives of the people we serve.”

The DSWD Chief also mentioned that he has seen first-hand and quoted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he said that the DSWD “has the biggest heart of all the departments in the country.”

“Rightfully so, after 75 days (of being in the DSWD), I’ve seen the dedication, I’ve seen the hard work and I’ve seen the perseverance in trying to deliver the best services that we can, day in and day out,” Sec. Gatchalian pointed out.

Gracing the occasion as distinguished guests were Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Alexei Nograles and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) President Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr. who both extended their gratitude to the DSWD workforce for going the extra mile in the name of service to improve the lives of those in need.

“Your integrity, loyalty, and high performance are actually the wheels that helped the DSWD get to where it is now – one of the most trusted, if not the most trusted, government offices in the country,” Chairperson Nograles said.

President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, in separate video messages, both lauded the awardees and the entire workforce of DSWD for the work that they perform toward improving the responsiveness and efficiency of government social protection programs.

“Congratulations for the professionalism that you have shown in light of the various crises that we have been suffering, and some of it because of climate change, some because of man-made catastrophes. You have always been there. Your response has always been significant. Keep up the good work, DSWD,” President Marcos said.

“This recognition is a humble appreciation for your selfless dedication that led to the attainment of your shared objectives in the Department and ensured the highest welfare of the vulnerable communities we serve,” Vice President Duterte-Carpio, in a separate statement, said.

*Exceptional public service*

Held yearly, the DSWD’s search for PRAISE awardees has become a tradition for the Department in recognizing exemplary public service by its employees.

For this year, the PRAISE Awards had four major categories:  individual; group; innovations and special citations.

For the individual awards, DSWD awarded the Gawad Huwaran for Best Administrative Staff; Best Houseparent; Best Technical Staff; Best Division Chief and Best Social Worker.

In recognition of exceptional innovative initiatives, PRAISE Awards were given for Best Knowledge Management Initiative and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Kaya! Award for disaster response and emergency preparedness initiatives.

In recent years, the DSWD also began awarding special citations for individuals and offices with Pusong May Patas na Pagtrato sa Komunidad sa Larangan ng Pag-aanunsyo at Pamamahayag; Pusong May Malasakit sa Larangan ng Pampublikong Impormasyon; Pusong Angking Galing; Pusong Mahusay; Pusong Maagap at Mapagkalinga; Pusong Magiting and Kawaning May Katangi-tanging Puso sa Paglilingkod.

*Decades of dedicated service by loyal employees*

The Department also recognized the employees who have loyally given their talent, skills, and service to the DSWD for decades.

The Department acknowledged the contribution of the loyal employees in upholding the values and the brand of DSWD’s dedicated and trusted public service over the decades.

Despite the many struggles that the DSWD faced, especially with the recent pandemic, the loyal employees demonstrated their dedication and their desire to be of assistance to the vulnerable sectors.

For this year, the DSWD bestowed Loyalty Awards to 62 employees nationwide.

*Inspiration for a better public service*

In setting the yearly tradition of fellowship and celebration of exemplary service, the Department hopes to further motivate the workforce towards a more efficient public service.

As Secretary Gatchalian said: “May you continue to make us proud with your dedication in the service and your loyalty to the Department. May you inspire everyone in the Agency to bring out the best in us so that we can contribute to the well-being and continual improvement of the lives of our countrymen. Again, congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, winners, and loyalty and service awardees. Your DSWD family is grateful to have you in the Department.” #